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It pays to play games

Team Fnatic is making a name in the international eSports scene, writes Izwan Ismail

LOCAL electronic sports (eSports) outfit Team Fnatic did the country proud when it won fourth place at the International Dota 2 tournament in Seattle, US, in August.

Its victory and the prize money of US$1.4 million (RM5.6 million) shows that the sport is fast gaining support from sponsors.

Dota 2 is a multiplayer online video game in which two teams of five players compete to collectively destroy a large structure defended by the opposing team, known as the Ancient, while defending its own.

The team, known as Team Fnatic, consists of five players: Khoo Chong Xin or Ohaiyo, 23, Chai Yee Fung or Mushi, 26, Jimmy Ho or Demon, 26, Marc Polo Fausdo or Raven,17, and Nicco Barcelon or Eyyou, 24, both from the Philippines.

Since its impressive feat, Team Fnatic has taken in new members. Eyyou, DeMon and Raven, who were previously from TNC, to replace Yeik “midOne” Nai Zheng, Djardel “DJ” Mampusti and Adam “343” Shah respectively.

EARLY DAYS

Like all aspiring gamers, players like Ohaiyo, Mushi, Demon, Raven and Eyyou started to play video games at a very young age. Ohaiyo for example began to take gaming seriously when he was 12.

“I started with the shooting games, mostly at home and Internet cafes. Back then, I would spend a minimum of 12 hours a day in front of the PC,” he says, adding that he spent RM150 a week on gaming.

Raven and Eyyou agreed that cybercafes were the perfect training ground during their early gaming years.

Ohaiyo started to play in big tournaments since four years ago, and had taken part in 30 international tournaments since.

“eSports is getting big and competitive. The prize money is also attractive,” he says.

At the recent Dota 2 tournament, the prizes totalled US$21 million. The champion took home the lion’s share of US$9 million.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

The Fnatic team spend about 10 hours a day practising. “It’s not just about playing, but also other aspects of the game. We have a mentality coach and strategy coach to keep us competitive and on an excellent frame of mind, especially during tournaments,” says Ohaiyo.

“You play against the best of the best in the world. It’s a very competitive environment.”

The team is based in the Mines, Seri Kembangan. Like any professional sports outfit, it has sponsors which provide the team salary, allowance, accommodation and other perks.

The latest sponsorship is from Astro through eGG Network, Southeast Asia’s first 24/7 eSports channel. Team Fnatic Dota 2 will sport an eGG logo on the sleeve of its jersey.

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